Vision of Sacrifices

by Vincent Morrone

  “Of course you didn’t,” I said. I made sure to keep my voice calm and light, so this didn’t seem like it was a big deal. “Seth, you have a brand new life that you need to learn to live. You don’t have to worry about never getting food, or being hurt or ignored. You’re going to have a family that loves you. It’s a lot of change. Good change. But any change takes getting used to. When I first came to live with Uncle Mark, I had no idea how much I’d love it, but it was an adjustment for me. And that wasn’t nearly as drastic as what’s happening to you. You have to trust me.”

  Seth pushed his now empty plate away from him and crossed his arms.

  “I do trust you,” Seth said. “But not her. She’s not you. And besides, you didn’t do it.”

  “Didn’t do what?” I asked.

  “Talk to her,” Seth said. “When Mr. McKnight told you to a while ago, because you lost your parents. I saw it last night in a dream.”

  Payne sniggered behind me. “Not so much fun when someone does that to you, huh?”

  I stuck my tongue out at him.

  “I don’t want to talk to her,” Seth continued, and folded his arms across his chest, defiant. “And I don’t think your grandfather would either, would you, Mr. Blackburn?”

  “At my age?” Grandpa said. “No, but I’m old and a pain in the—” He looked at my warning glance. “Keester. But back when I was your age, I did what I was told because just maybe the people who were in charge knew something I didn’t.”

  He tried his best to look stern. “Now you got five people telling you to talk to this lady. So you talk to this lady. And didn’t I tell you to stop calling me Mr. Blackburn? I hear that, I look around for my father who’s been dead nearly two decades. And with the two of you around,” he pointed at me and Seth, “the man might actually be here, for all I know. So call me Grandpa.”

  Seth still wouldn’t. He was very polite, but he refused to call anyone Grandpa or Uncle or anything that made it sound like they were family. It was always Mr. Blackburn and Mr. McKnight. That was going to get very confusing when we got back to Spirit when there were so many Mr. Blackburns and Mr. McKnights.

  “Will you go with me?” Seth asked. “Please.”

  I smiled and kissed his head.

  “You’re supposed to talk to her in private,” I said. “Seth, I can’t be with you twenty-four seven.”

  But Seth wasn’t ready for that.

  “Please,” he repeated. This time his voice cracked a little.

  “I tell you what,” I said. “I’ll take you down there and we’ll talk to her together for a little bit. Maybe after a few minutes, you can talk to her alone. If so, I’ll be right outside. Right in the next room. We’ll see. Okay.”

  Seth nodded, but he wasn’t happy.

  “Seth,” Payne said, moving over to sit near us. “Have you ever gone to a movie?”

  Seth gave him a blank stare.

  “A movie,” Payne said. “You go to a big building called a theatre. You get popcorn and candy and soda and you sit and watch a movie on a giant screen. We showed you those movies earlier, didn’t we? You liked the one with the talking fish, and the one with the talking cars.”

  “Yeah,” Seth said, and I saw the hint of a smile. “But that’s here.”

  “Well,” Payne said. “Going to the movies somewhere else is even better on the big screen. I heard that there’s a theater not too far from here. They’re doing a special showing of the first three Star Wars movies. Those are some of my favorites. Have you ever heard of them?”

  Seth shook his head, but Payne had his full interest now as he leaned forward against the table where Seth was sitting.

  “It’s great,” Payne said. “There’s laser swords and mystical forces and robots—and it’s not a cartoon. I remember seeing it when I was little, with my mom and Archer and a few of my other cousins. Trust me, you’ll love it. It’s supposed to start playing in a few days. I bet my Granddad can get us early tickets.”

  Seth thought about it. He twisted back and forth in his seat. “Won’t there be a lot of people there?”

  “Yeah,” Payne said slowly, “but you can’t avoid them forever. And you won’t be alone. Bristol will be there, and so will I, and Archer too.” He raised his voice so everyone else could hear. “Anyone else game?”

  “I could stand to see it again,” Uncle Mark said.

  “See?” Payne gave Seth a look like it was the easiest choice in the world. “Watching it on TV is great, but the big screen is the way to go. And this will be an IMAX theater. A really big screen. It’ll blow your mind. You think you’re up for that?”

  Seth thought about it for a moment, pressing his lips together tightly. The idea of being out in public scared him, but the idea of seeing a movie that Payne loved so much had him hooked. Finally, he nodded.

  “Okay,” Payne said. “That’ll be your prize. Show us you can talk to Mrs. Carter, and try your best. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. Try.”

  “Bristol will be right outside?” Seth asked. “The whole, entire time?”

  I nodded.

  “Yes,” I said. “I promise. But knowing you, you won’t be completely alone in there. Not until you’re ready.”

  He nodded, seeming to get what I meant.

  “Now,” I said. “Why don’t you go get washed and dressed. Can you do that? Do you need me to come into the bedroom with you?”

  Seth thought about it, but then he shook his head.

  “No,” he said. “But don’t go anywhere.”

  He jumped down from his chair and ran past us into the bedroom and closed the door halfway.

  “Did he just go in there alone?” Archer asked.

  “Not really,” I said. “I don’t think he’s with anyone you know.”

  “Who—” Uncle Mark started to ask, then shook his head. “You know what? I don’t need to know.”

  Varick came over to me. I could tell that he had something to say that he wasn’t looking forward to.

  “Bristol,” Varick said. “I would like to speak to you about Mrs. Carter. For her to help Seth, she’s going to need to understand his story. His full story.”

  I nodded as he spoke. I knew where this was going.

  “That means her knowing about me,” I said. “I figured that out. I’m not crazy about it, but you’re right. It’s what best for Seth. So fine.”

  Varick smiled. “You are very brave.”

  “No,” I told him. “I’m a big chicken, but I’ll deal with it. I did talk to her once, a few months ago, and she said some things that made me wonder. Does she know anything about the two families and the curse?”

  Varick nodded, but whatever trace of a smile he’d worn had disappeared. “Yes. She’s aware of the fact that members of the families often develop abilities. She will be discreet.”

  I hoped so.

  Mrs. Carter arrived at three o’clock instead of two. Varick met her downstairs and escorted her to her suite. Upstairs, Payne and Archer were playing video games with Seth, trying to distract him, but he still seemed nervous about going to talk to her.

  When Varick returned, he nodded towards me.

  “Seth,” I said. He turned away from the game and his little hopping frog got run over by a truck. “Let’s go.”

  Seth hesitated, shooting an unhappy look at both Archer and Payne, but he put his controller down with a heavy sigh and headed towards me.

  “It’s going to be fine,” I promised, taking his hand, which was shaking slightly. “Trust me.”

  Varick escorted us onto the elevator. It was a short trip, just one floor down, but for Seth it must have seemed like forever. We walked to the closest door, and Varick knocked once.

  When the door opened, Mrs. Carter stood on the other side, smiling.

  Mrs. Carter had a very pretty, friendly face that was framed by her long dark brown hair. She was wearing a soft blue outfit today, and I thought she looked pretty good for someone who had a rough flight.

 
We all said hello, and then I introduced Seth, who had managed to hide behind Varick and me. I urged him forward.

  “I’m pleased to meet you, Seth,” she said, when he seemed uncomfortable. “Please come in.”

  I started to move into the room, but Seth hesitated.

  “It’s okay,” I whispered in his ear. “I’m right here.”

  Finally, he inched his way forward.

  Varick stayed outside. “I will return later to accompany you back to our suite,” he told me. “I have some things to deal with in the meantime.” He turned to Seth. “Now, you try your best. Mrs. Carter is completely aware of everything that has happened. There’s no reason to be shy.”

  Seth nodded, but he wouldn’t look up.

  The problem wasn’t shyness. Seth wasn’t bashful. He was frightened. Thankfully, I think Mrs. Carter understood this.

  “Seth,” she told him. “I would really like the chance to talk to you. I have a room in here where we can get to know one another. Is it okay if Bristol comes inside with us?”

  This time Seth nodded quickly, but still wouldn’t make eye contact.

  We went into the room, and sat down on a long beige couch. It was very professional looking, with happy paintings of animals on the wall. There were a few plants strategically placed in the corners, and a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. Mrs. Carter sat in a leather chair across from us.

  “As Varick said,” she continued, “I’m aware of what happened. I know about your abilities. Yours and Bristol’s.”

  “Bristol doesn’t like people to know,” Seth said, defensively. He looked up and made eye contact with Mrs. Carter for the first time.

  “It’s okay,” I told Seth. “She needs to know about both of us so you can be open with her.”

  Mrs. Carter smiled. “You’re protective of Bristol. You trust her.”

  Seth nodded.

  “That’s good,” Mrs. Carter said. “Is there anyone else that you trust?”

  Seth hesitated. “Mr. McKnight,” he finally answered. “And the two Mr. Blackburns. And Archer, and especially Payne.”

  “Why especially Payne?” she asked. I kinda wanted to know as well.

  “Jared trusted Payne more than anyone besides his mother,” Seth said. “And I saw that Payne saved Bristol. He ran into fire for her.”

  Mrs. Carter’s eyes registered shock, but she quickly blinked it away. I was surprised, too, since I hadn’t told this to Seth. I could only imagine the look of amusement on Payne’s face if he’d been here to see me get befuddled by Seth’s ability, like Payne has always been with mine.

  “Well,” Mrs. Carter said. “Seth, do you know why we’re here?”

  Seth sighed in exasperation, which I thought was a good sign as it meant he was becoming less afraid. “To talk so I can adjust. Whatever that means.”

  “More or less,” Mrs. Carter said with a nod. “We all want you to lead a happy and full life. You were held by some very scary people, but you’re safe now, and we want you to feel safe. I understand that you feel the most comfortable around ghosts because they’ve never hurt you, but you need to learn to be around the living.”

  “Bristol’s alive,” Seth said.

  I laughed. “Thanks for noticing,” I said. That actually earned a small giggle from Seth.

  “Seth,” Mrs. Carter said. “Nobody expects you to be ready for a party by the end of the week, but we’d like for you to be able to enjoy your new as much as possible, even in the beginning. To learn to be around living people. My job is simply to help you do that.”

  She fell silent for a second, waiting to see if he would say anything, but then kept talking.

  “Tell me something about yourself. What do you want?”

  Seth thought about it a moment. “I want to go see the Star Wars movies in the theater.”

  Mrs. Carter smiled, but sent me a confused glance.

  “Payne bribed him with the movie,” I explained. “If he came and talked to you.”

  “I approve of bribery in some cases,” she said with a laugh. “This is one of them. Seth, I want you to trust me. So help me earn your trust. Here,” She said. “I have something for you.”

  She reached for a gift bag and tried to hand it to Seth. I took it first and then handed it to Seth. He hesitated until I urged him to open it. Unceremoniously, Seth pulled out a large box of crayons and some drawing paper.

  “Do you like to draw?” she asked.

  Seth nodded enthusiastically.

  “Well, why don’t you draw a picture?” Mrs. Carter asked. “Anything you’d like.”

  Seth slid off the couch and knelt in front of the small table. He worked on opening the box of crayons and then pulled out a piece of paper. Soon, with the tip of his tongue touching his upper lip, he was drawing. More importantly, I could feel him relax. I peeked at the paper and it was pretty clear what he was sketching. A white dog with floppy ears. It was a small step, but an important one.

  We went back to see Mrs. Carter every day. Each day, Seth felt more at ease speaking with her. On the third day, Mrs. Carter asked Seth if it would be okay if I stepped outside the room while they talked. She promised that I’d be right outside the entire time and that he could keep the door half open, if that made him feel more comfortable. Reluctantly, Seth agreed.

  The next day, she asked the same thing, but a little earlier. This time, the door was almost closed. I noticed how every time Mrs. Carter wanted Seth to do something, she asked him first. She gave him the power to say yes or no.

  Finally, on day five, I sat outside working on schoolwork that had been sent for me, while Seth spent the entire time talking to Mrs. Carter alone, with the door shut.

  When they were done, Seth emerged with a big smile on his face and a picture that he enthusiastically presented to me: it was of the two of us together, with our heads ten times bigger than our bodies. He did so well that Varick promised Seth a surprise. I figured that meant we were going to the movies.

  Sure enough, the next day – with the exception of Grandpa – we all got dressed and piled into the limo to go to the movies. A full day of lightsabers, Wookies and spaceships. Oh boy.

  I expected Seth to be bouncing off the walls in anticipation, but he seemed nervous. It was the first time he’d left the resort.

  “What’s the matter?” I asked.

  Seth shrugged. “How many people will be there?”

  “Quite a few, probably,” I said. “But don’t worry. You’ll be fine.”

  “Seth,” Varick said. “I promise you, nothing will happen. The theater will not be crowded. All right?”

  Seth nodded, and did his best to not be afraid, but I still worried about the crowds. I wanted Seth to be able to enjoy himself, but I was afraid too many people would overwhelm him. Still, it was better than him hiding in that suite, night after night. He needed to be able to face the world.

  The limo pulled into the parking lot. Amazingly enough, I didn’t see many cars, but it was still early. The movie wouldn’t start for over an hour. We got out and went in. The theater lobby was huge. I looked around and saw a few people around, but something seemed off about them.

  This was a Star Wars marathon. Shouldn’t the place be packed with geeks? I was expecting to see throngs of people dressed as wookies or droids or in cloaks or something you’d see at a ComicCon convention. Instead, there were a few people in suits standing about.

  I looked to the concession stand and saw a small family. A mother and her two boys had their backs to us as they examined the enormous selection. Something about them seemed familiar. Holding Seth’s hand, I stepped closer to get a better look.

  They turned around and I felt my heart do a little tap dance.

  “Zack! Simon!” I yelled as they came running to say hello. “What are you two doing here?”

  “Mr. McKnight sent that car again,” Zack said. “And this time we got to ride inside of it. I got to watch TV in a limo. Then we got on his plane. Can you believe he has his o
wn plane? I don’t know why he’d want to live in a house when he could live in the air. And we watched a movie and ate burgers. It was cool!”

  “In short,” Simon added wryly, pushing his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose, “he flew us over.”

  Man I had missed them.

  “Seth,” I said. “I’d like you to meet my cousins. This is Simon.”

  Simon, who now was taller than I was, and still super thin, extended a hand and smiled at the younger boy.

  “Hello.” He waited patiently until Seth worked up the courage to shake his hand. "I’m happy to meet you. Do you like video games?”

  Seth shrugged, his eyes looking at his own shoes.

  “I’ve never played one,” Seth said. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Simon said. “I brought my XBox and a bunch of games. I’ll show you. You’ll love them.”

  That earned a little smile from Seth who looked up.

  “You like dogs?” Zack asked. He was nearly bouncing from the excitement of his adventure on Air Varick, and getting to finally meet Seth. “We’ve got two great dogs. Three right now, because Aunt Breanne has Eli and she’s been staying with us. Only they’re all at different houses now. Larry is with my best friend John-John and Spock – that’s Simon’s dog – is staying across the street with Skyler.”

  I was watching him in wonder. He didn’t even take a breath.

  “Skyler also got Ricky, Bristol’s hamster, but Eli was picked up by Payne’s cousin Toby. Man, he’s big. Not Eli, he’s a normal size for a dog. I mean Toby. Oh, but Bristol rescued some puppies a few weeks ago. They’re too little to come home, but once they are, she got dad to agree to let us keep one! I’ll bet she’ll let you take care of it, and maybe help name it too. Hey, do you like football? I’m great at football. I can teach you if you don’t know how. We’re going to bunk together. I’ve got bunk beds in my room, but I guess it’s our room now. I cleared off two walls for you. So you could put up whatever posters you want. Do you want the top bunk or bottom? I like the top, but you can have it if you want. Or we can switch off—”

  “Zack,” I interrupted. “Take it easy.”